Suffix -ous

Success Criteria

Aim• I can use and spell words correctly with the suffix -ous.

• I can explain what a suffix is.

• I can use words in sentences with the suffix -ous.

• I can apply spelling rules to help me spell a range of words which have the suffix -ous.

Introductory Activity

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

A suffix is a group of letters used at the end of one word to turn it into another word.

= useless

= useful

use + less

use + ful

Like this:full of

without

ful

less

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

A suffix is added to the end of a root - which is either a whole word or part of a word to form a new word.

= famous

= victorious

fame + ous

victory + ous

Like this:

possessing or full of

-ous

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

Sometimes you can clearly tell what the root word is so we follow the usual rules for adding suffixes beginning with vowel letters.

Use the following slides to help with these rules.

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

The -e at the end of a root word is dropped before adding any suffix beginning with a vowel letter.

= carnivorouscarnivore + ous

Like this:

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

When a word ends in a consonant and y, change the y to i before the suffix -ous is added.

= victoriousvictory + ous

Like this:

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

When a word ends with a vowel and y keep the y.

= joyousjoy + ous

Like this:

Adding Suffixes Beginning with Vowel letters

If none of the other rules apply we just add -ous onto the ending.

= poisonous

= mountainous

poison + ous

mountain + ous

Like this:

Tricky Exceptions to the Rule

Sometimes we need to apply some additional rules.

Use the following information to help with these rules.

-our is changed to -or before -ous is added.

humour

glamour

vigour

humorous

glamorous

vigorous

A final e of the root word must be kept if the words

ends in ge.

courage

outrage

courageous

outrageous

Walking Through the Jungle

glorious

glory

Walking Through the Jungle

famous

fame

Walking Through the Jungle

vigorous

vigour

Walking Through the Jungle

outrageous

outrage

Walking Through the Jungle

furious

fury

Spot the Suffix

Use your reading book or a topic book and the Spot the Suffix Activity Sheet to find examples of words with the suffix -ous. Further explore how to spell new words when the suffix -ous is added.

Mini Test

Use all of the information you have learned and practised about the suffix -ous.

Work on your own to complete the Mini Test.